Hilary J. Boone Jr., a successful breeder/owner, died in his sleep at his Wimbledon Farm near Lexington. He was 91.
Boone served on the Breeders’ Cup board of directors during the early days. The inaugural Breeders Cup was run at Hollywood Park November 1984 and proved highly successful.
Boone started Wimbledon in 1971 on 321 acres. The farm increased in size over the years to more than 1,000 acres.
Horses raised at the farm include 1980 Horse of the Year Spectacular Bid and 1982 Epsom Derby (Eng-I) winner Golden Fleece, as well as such other major winners as Cara Rafaela (dam of champion Bernardini ), Intrepidity, Golden Opinion, and Mossflower.
Boone stood a number of stallions at Wimbledon, including Relaunch, who sired 90 stakes winners. A major link in the Man o’ War male line, Relaunch is the grandsire of successful stallion Tiznow .
Boone bred and/or raced numerous stakes winners alone and in partnership, including major sire and winner Mt. Livermore.
Kerr Brothers Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. There will no visitation and the graveside service will be private.